What Did Aston Jeanty Say After the Raiders' Defeat?

The Las Vegas Raiders continue to struggle with their run game, which was evident in their recent 41-24 defeat against the Washington Commanders. Although rookie running back Ashton Jeanty showed promise with 63 of the team's 93 total rushing yards, the inconsistency in the run game remains a significant hurdle for the Raiders. Coach Pete Carroll and veteran quarterback Geno Smith highlighted the necessity of establishing a run game early, stressing that it is crucial for the team’s overall success.

Last updated: 21 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Raiders recorded 93 rushing yards against the Commanders, with 63 from rookie Ashton Jeanty.
• Head Coach Pete Carroll acknowledged the need for better balance in the run game.
• Geno Smith emphasised the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage.
• Jeanty is still adjusting to the professional level, but showed flashes of potential.
• The team needs to improve early run game production to support the offence.

The Current State of the Raiders’ Run Game

As the NFL season progresses, the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves grappling with a lack of consistency in their run game. In their recent encounter with the Washington Commanders, the statistics revealed a total of 93 rushing yards, a modest figure that reflects ongoing challenges. Among these yards, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty accounted for 63, showcasing his potential with an average of 3.7 yards per carry.

Despite this encouraging performance, head coach Pete Carroll acknowledged that the overall run game needs substantial improvement. He stated, “We have to balance out what we’re doing so we can mix better.” This highlights the necessity of integrating the run game more effectively into the overall offensive strategy.

Ashton Jeanty: A Glimpse of Potential

At just 21 years old and three games into his NFL career, Jeanty has already begun to make an impact. His performance against the Commanders demonstrated his ability to push through tackles and gain essential yardage. However, he is still transitioning from college football to the professional level, where the competition is significantly tougher.

Coach Carroll praised Jeanty’s efforts, saying, “It was a good ball game for him. It was tough, and he played tough.” This recognition from the coaching staff indicates that while Jeanty has shown promise, he still needs support from his teammates to reach his full potential.

The Importance of Establishing the Run Early

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith articulated a critical aspect of successful football, emphasising the need to establish the run early in games. He remarked, “Extremely important [to establish the run], but more importantly, we got to dominate the line of scrimmage.” This statement encapsulates the essence of controlling the game flow and creating opportunities for the offence.

Winning the line of scrimmage allows teams to dictate play, control the clock, and keep defences guessing. As Smith noted, if a team can win the battle upfront, it significantly increases their chances of winning. Therefore, improving the run game is not merely about gaining yards; it’s about setting the tone for the entire game.

Challenges Ahead for the Raiders

The Raiders face multiple challenges as they strive to enhance their run game. The inconsistency seen so far in the season raises concerns about the effectiveness of their offensive line. If the line struggles to create gaps and protect the quarterback, it becomes difficult for running backs like Jeanty to succeed.

Moreover, the dynamics of the NFL require that teams adapt quickly. The Raiders must find a way to blend their run and pass game effectively to keep defences off balance. This involves not only improving the run game but also ensuring that passing plays complement the running strategy.

Advice from Veteran to Rookie

In the wake of the Raiders' struggles, Smith took the opportunity to mentor Jeanty, sharing valuable insights on adjusting to the NFL. He explained, “It’s not college—I mean, that’s the reality. It’s a big boy league, and it’s going to be tough every week.” This candid acknowledgment reflects the rigorous demands of the professional sport.

Smith’s encouragement for Jeanty to “stick with it” underscores the importance of perseverance. Jeanty has the talent to excel; he just needs time to acclimatise to the rigours of the NFL and the support of his teammates to flourish.

What’s Next for the Raiders?

As the Raiders prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will be on refining their run game strategy. This involves analysing the playbook and making necessary adjustments to enhance performance. The coaching staff will likely prioritise establishing a more robust run game to set up play-action passes and open up the field for Smith and the receivers.

In addition, the Raiders will need to conduct thorough evaluations of their offensive line to identify any weaknesses that could hinder their progress. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for the team as they seek to build momentum and find their rhythm on the field.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Raiders are at a pivotal moment in their season, with the run game proving to be a significant area of concern. As they look to improve and establish consistency, the contributions of rookie Ashton Jeanty and the insights from veterans like Geno Smith will be essential. The team must focus on dominating the line of scrimmage and integrating their run and pass game strategies to become competitive in the league.

Will the Raiders be able to turn their run game issues around and find success in the upcoming matches? Only time will tell, but the challenge ahead is clear. #LasVegasRaiders #NFL #AshtonJeanty

FAQs

Why is the run game important for the Raiders?

The run game is essential for the Raiders as it helps establish balance in the offence, allowing for more effective passing plays and control over the game tempo.

How did Ashton Jeanty perform against the Commanders?

Ashton Jeanty recorded 63 rushing yards on 17 carries, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, showcasing his potential despite the team's overall struggles.

What advice did Geno Smith give to Ashton Jeanty?

Geno Smith advised Jeanty to stick with the process and adapt to the tough nature of the NFL, emphasising the importance of support from teammates for his success.

What must the Raiders improve in their upcoming games?

The Raiders need to focus on establishing the run early, dominating the line of scrimmage, and finding better balance between their run and pass game to improve their performance.

What are the challenges the Raiders face moving forward?

The Raiders face challenges related to offensive line performance, consistency in the run game, and the need for better integration of offensive strategies to compete effectively.